Sludge Metal

Sludge metal is a subgenre of heavy metal characterized by its dense, heavy, and slow-moving sound. It combines the thick, gritty riffs of doom metal with the raw, abrasive elements of hardcore punk. The music often features distorted guitars, significant use of feedback, and lyrics that explore themes of despair, decay, and existential struggles. Its intentionally sluggish pace and weighty sound create an immersive, crushing listening experience that evokes feelings of emotional or physical burden. Bands like Eyehategod and Crowbar exemplify sludge metal’s gritty, downtuned aesthetic and intense atmosphere.